Lead Infant Teacher - OTR

Water Lily Learning Center; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

401(k) Retirement Savings Plan

Dental

Vision

Life Insurance

Long-Term Disability

Short-Term Disability

NexGenEAP

Working Advantage

Balance Care

FinFit Financial Wellness

Cancer Advocate

Long-Term Care Insurance

Pay on Demand

Weekly Pay

11 Paid Holidays

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Job summary

The Lead Infant Teacher - OTR at Water Lily Learning Center leads our infant classroom (6 weeks to 12 months) at the OTR campus in Cincinnati. You will design individualized care plans, maintain gold-level documentation, partner with families daily, and mentor assistant teachers in a high-quality program.

We expect an Associate or Bachelor in Early Childhood Education (CDA accepted), 3+ years of lead teaching in licensed infant settings, CPR/First Aid, and proficiency with Brightwheel or

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of lead teaching experience in a licensed infant classroom.
• Associate or Bachelor degree in Early Childhood Education, CDA, or related field.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification.
• Proficiency with Brightwheel or Teaching Strategies GOLD.
• Must meet Ohio DCY employment eligibility and clearances.

Responsibilities

• Design individualized routines and experiences using the Creative Curriculum for Infants, Toddlers and Twos, aligned with Ohio Early Learning and Development Standards.
• Lead a safe, sanitary, and nurturing infant classroom in full compliance with Ohio DCY licensing and Step Up to Quality Gold standards.
• Conduct developmental observations and document infant milestones using Teaching Strategies GOLD or Brightwheel.
• Communicate with OTR families daily through digital platforms; facilitate scheduled parent-teacher conferences.
• Mentor and guide assistant infant teachers; model responsive, attachment-based caregiving practices.
• Follow all infant sleep safety, feeding, diapering, and sanitation protocols per Ohio DCY regulations.
• Participate in ongoing professional development focused on infant brain development and responsive caregiving.
• Maintain all classroom documentation, attendance, and health records required by DCY and Step Up to Quality

Skills

Lead teacher

Infant care

Family communication

Team leadership

Documentation

Education

Associate or Bachelor degree in Early Childhood Education, CDA, or related field

Tools

Brightwheel

Teaching Strategies GOLD

Job description

Gold-Rated Step Up to Quality | Full-Time | OTR- Cincinnati OH 45214 | Benefits Included

About Water Lily Learning Center

Water Lily Learning Center - OTR is a Gold-rated Step Up to Quality program in Cincinnati's Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. We deliver relationship-based, responsive infant care using the Creative Curriculum for Infants, Toddlers and Twos, aligned with Ohio's Early Learning and Development Standards. Our OTR team is mission-driven, collaborative, and recognized as a leader in Cincinnati early childhood education.

Position Summary

The Lead Infant Teacher - OTR leads our infant classroom (ages 6 weeks to 12 months) at the OTR campus. You will design individualized care plans, maintain Gold-level documentation standards, partner with families daily, and mentor assistant teachers — all within a highly regulated, high-quality environment. This role requires a warm, experienced educator who holds themselves and their team to the highest standard of infant care.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement individualized routines and experiences using the Creative Curriculum for Infants, Toddlers and Twos, aligned with Ohio Early Learning and Development Standards
• Lead a safe, sanitary, and nurturing infant classroom in full compliance with Ohio DCY licensing and Step Up to Quality Gold standards
• Conduct developmental observations and document infant milestones using Teaching Strategies GOLD or Brightwheel
• Communicate with OTR families daily through digital platforms; facilitate scheduled parent-teacher conferences
• Mentor and guide assistant infant teachers; model responsive, attachment-based caregiving practices
• Follow all infant sleep safety, feeding, diapering, and sanitation protocols per Ohio DCY regulations
• Participate in ongoing professional development focused on infant brain development and responsive caregiving
• Maintain all classroom documentation, attendance, and health records required by DCY and Step Up to Quality

Qualifications

• Associate or Bachelor degree in Early Childhood Education, CDA, or related field
• Minimum 3 years of lead teaching experience in a licensed infant classroom
• Current CPR and First Aid certification required prior to working with children
• Demonstrated knowledge of infant development, attachment theory, and routine-based care
• Proficiency with Brightwheel, Teaching Strategies GOLD, or equivalent documentation platform
• Strong team leadership, family communication, and classroom management skills
• Must meet all Ohio DCY employment eligibility requirements including applicable clearances

Schedule and Compensation

• Full-time, Monday through Friday
• $15-$18/hr based on experience and credentials
• Health, dental, and retirement benefits included
• Paid professional development and training

Health and Wellness Benefits:

• Health Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance
• Long-Term Disability
• Short-Term Disability
• NexGenEAP (Employee Assistance Program)
• Working Advantage (Employee Discount and Reward Program)
• Balance Care
• FinFit Financial Wellness
• Cancer Advocate
• Long-Term Care Insurance
• Pay on Demand
• Staff Meetings:Monthly paid meetings
• 11 Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off (PTO):
• Paid Professional Development
• Weekly Pay
• Employee Referral Program
• Plus More

Why Join Water Lily?

• Gold-rated Step Up to Quality — a recognized leader in Cincinnati early childhood education
• Paid professional development including infant-specific training and credential support
• Collaborative, mission-driven team culture with supportive leadership
• Clear advancement pathway within Water Lily Learning Center
• Be the first educator in a child's life during the most critical window of development